Nintendo’s second generation handheld gaming device seems to be back on track after averting what could have been a disastrous start for the 3DS
The early figures for the Nintendo 3DS were alarming to say the least as the company took drastic steps to stimulate consumer interest in their latest product. Executives took major pay cuts, some even reducing their salaries by half, and the portable console’s
prices were slashed as well.
However, it seems that Nintendo knew what they were doing and after reforecasting their sales targets, things are back on track. The sales figures have been strong since the prices were slashed, with the 3DS dominating the hardware sales chart in Japan,
staying at the number one spot for the past few months.
It even held off an assault from Sony’s PlayStation Vita to finish the New Year as number one, which is an achievement in itself.
Analysts from a number of firms seem to agree on the fact that the 3DS is well on its way to getting where Nintendo want it to be, however software sales were the key for the new found growth now.
According to Michael Pachter, an analyst working for Wedbus Morgan the 3DS has made its past its shaky launch period. “It’s definitely turned the corner.”
Jesse Divnich who works for EEDAR seconded that statement when he explained, “With the strong rebound in 3DS sales, I think Nintendo is clear of the woods now”.
However, many analysts are surprised at how the 3DS got off to the disastrous start that it did considering how the portable gaming device was priced.
Michael Pachter explained, “I was surprised that it sold so few at the $249 price point, and its sales to date are exactly what I originally forecasted at the price.”
Whether or not that was a cheeky way of Mr. Pachter gloating about his accurate forecast is a topic for another day, yet it seems that the general consensus is that the 3DS is not the calamity many were surprised to see it becoming during its launch period.
Strong software sales have helped it recover and more of the same is the need of the hour for Nintendo.
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